God is the God of increase. His plan is for us to increase spiritually, physically, financially, and emotionally.

Recently, I talked with a gentleman who had spent his entire life worshiping at the altar of intellect. He had spent most of his life as, what some people would call, a "professional student." He had multiple diplomas, multiple majors, and multiple doctorates. He was highly educated, but he knew nothing about God. Education is good, but education will not save you. In some circles it seems as though some people are just going to hell smart.

I believe in education and I respect knowledge. However, knowledge in the things of man, as good as it is, pales by comparison to the knowledge and wisdom of God.

In James the first chapter, it says that if any of us lacks wisdom, we can ask God Who will give wisdom liberally to everyone. But it also tells us in verse six that when we ask Him for this wisdom, we must ask Him in faith, without any doubting at all, because anyone who doubts is comparable to a wave on the sea, being driven and tossed in all directions by the wind.

It goes on to tell us that anyone who is in this condition of being tossed around by every wind or breeze should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Yes, wisdom is important and yes, wisdom is available. But the wisdom of God can only be received if we receive it in faith.

Hosea 4:6 is a familiar scripture that tells us that without knowledge we will perish. Truly knowledge and wisdom are God-attributes. God wants us to have earthly knowledge and spiritual knowledge. He wants us to have earthly wisdom and heavenly wisdom.

Over the years I've met Christians who seemingly studied the Word a lot, but couldn't change a light bulb. And I met a great electrician who knew nothing of God. God's desire for His children is to walk in the fullness of all wisdom and the fullness of all knowledge with understanding.

Devotion 0362